Time Trials

GMBC offers a free weekly time trial series that dates back to the 1970s! It is a low-key competitive event that is open to the public. The events take place every Thursday evening from early May to early September–with the exception of the last two weeks in April when they are on Friday evenings. Nearly every week a different course is visited, and courses exist in the counties of Chittenden, Addison and Lamoille. They range from flat(ish), to hilly, to mostly uphill.

The events start at 6:30 pm (unless otherwise noted), and to sign-up, just show up! We recommend that you show up at least 1/2 hour early so you have time to get the bike in order and to warm-up. The start-interval is one minute (in other words, every minute one rider will start), and once you’re underway, the goal is to ride as hard as you can for the length of the course and have nothing left at the finish. It’s as easy as that!

Wear your helmet at all times, share the road, be mindful of traffic, and understand that we cannot be a burden on traffic flow. Failure to adhere to these rules could result in the closing of a course due to complaints from local residents. Please find a bathroom prior to arriving, NOT at the race venue. Please remember that the roads are open to traffic and you are riding at your own risk.

Support Local Businesses

Local support is critical to the survival of the time trial series. Please consider showing your support of local businesses by stopping in the local store or bakery to pick up a drink or tasty treat to celebrate your big effort.

Championship Series

Your fastest average speed at the Huntington, So. Greenish and Jonesville courses will be averaged together to come up with an overall average speed for all three courses. Club Champions are the fastest male and female in each age category. There is also an overall fastest male and female.

Each course is scheduled three times during the season, so if you had a bad ride at one course, you have two more opportunities to get in a better ride!

Awards are handed out at the annual club pot-luck & meeting in November.

Anyone can ride a championship course time trial, but only GMBC members are eligible to compete for awards (important note: if you are not a member by June 1st you will not be eligible to compete in the series).

2018 Weekly Schedule

Click to view the 2018 weekly race schedule and results. Additional details, including race results are posted in Events as they become available. Last minute changes to the schedule due to weather or unexpected road repairs are announced through the GMBC email list. Use the back button on your browser to return to this page.

Saturday Training Rides

The GMBC Saturday (VP) rides are longer rides compared to the evening training rides. Routes vary each week and often have significant climbs. Groups (12 or fewer) form based on estimated average speed. The emphasis is on sharing the road and riding responsibly while getting a good workout on the bike. Specifics for each ride (e.g. start time, weather, parking) are announced through the GMBC email list.

Are these rides for me? These rides are recommended for people with some experience riding in a group. Serious effort (within each individual’s ability) is expected, but these rides are for anyone who likes a good workout and is able to maintain at least a 15 mph average, i.e. non-racers welcome! The riders regroup at a few key points and usually try to avoid leaving anyone behind. If you want a faster, strictly racer/hammerhead ride, consider the Tuesday Evening Training Ride. Another alternative for both fast riders who want a break from climbing App Gap, as well as riders who prefer a more moderate pace and distance are the Touring Rides (usually on Sundays). Touring rides typically become longer and have more climbing as the season progresses.

Start times vary during the year. Riding with front and rear lights is recommended all season.

Disclaimer: Ride at your own risk. GMBC provides guidance on safe group riding and sharing the road, but assumes no liability. It is your responsibility to know and adhere to Vermont laws.

GMBC is volunteer-based and sometimes volunteers cannot make the ride. This may lead to groups not being formed and the lack of regrouping points on the ride. We encourage you to talk before the ride, form groups, talk about safety and have a great ride!

The annual GMBC club potluck & members meeting is planned for Sunday, November 11th in Williston. It will be held at Catamount Outdoor Family Center. Gathering time will be around 5pm. All club members are invited.

If you are interested in getting involved in helping run the club, please contact Kevin Bessett. We’d love to have you!

If you are unfamiliar with this event, the evening starts off with dining on great food that folks bring, which is washed down with spirited and non-spirited drinks that GMBC provides, followed by the meeting. The meeting format is typically something like what follows

The schedule for the evening:

5-ish gathering time

5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – The feast (potluck, with drinks provided by the club)

6:30 pm onward -Meeting time (and feel free to get more drink or desert!)

Looking for a weekly training ride to get the blood pumping? The GMBC Tuesday evening training rides travel through Richmond, Hinesburg, Huntington and Williston mostly on roads with light to mild traffic.

Is this training ride for me? Tuesday’s ride is for racers and/or hammer-heads. If you can maintain 18+ mph for 1.5+ hours, you’ll be fine. There will be areas of pace-line at 25+ mph on flats and regrouping points. Consider the Wednesday night ride if this ride is not to your liking.

Start times vary during the year (because of the sunset)!! Riding with front and rear lights is recommended all season.

Early season (through April): on the road at 5:30 PMor earlier

Prime season (May through August): on the road at 6:00 PM

Late season (September until ??): on the road at 5:30 PM or earlier

Bad weather (current or imminent): most likely cancels ride

Disclaimer: Ride at your own risk. GMBC provides guidance on safe group riding and sharing the road, but assumes no liability. It is your responsibility to know and adhere to Vermont laws.

GMBC is volunteer-based and sometimes volunteers cannot make the ride. This may lead to groups not being formed and the lack of regrouping points on the ride. We encourage you to talk before the ride, form groups, talk about safety and have a great ride!

Where to Start, Park, and Ride

Parking/Start – In the field below the Old Round Church in Richmond (see map). Do not park on the paved road next to the Round Church

Rides vary. Links to some routes are listed below but become familiar with the roads beforehand in case of separation from the group. If you decide to drop out or change your route, let someone know beforehand.